After working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for a long time, Elizabeth Hill decided to begin working towards her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from IndianaStateUniversity with help from The College Network™.
“I thought it would be a great way to earn my BSN that would be a lot more convenient as a working, divorced mom. I need to earn more income, and becoming an RN is the way to go for me since I love the nursing field and have been an LVN for 27 years now,” Elizabeth explains.
Not only does Elizabeth like the convenience of earning her nursing degree online, she also says this is more affordable than some of the traditional colleges she looked into.
Find out how Elizabeth stays motivated to earn her degree by reading more of her story, or call 1-800-395-1014 to find out how you can begin your online educational journey.
Many LPNs dream of moving forward and becoming a registered nurse someday. And the majority of people decide that the best way to do this is by earning their Associate of Science in Nursing degree. But, did you know that you also have the option to earn your BS in Nursing as an LPN?
The College Network partners with Indiana State University to offer an LPN/LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. You can fulfill your dream of becoming an RN while earning your Bachelor's at the same time.
This might sound like a daunting prospect, but it is very doable and you can be successful in this program. Would it help to hear from other LPNs that achieved their degree?These are nurses just like you that worked hard and overcame obstacles to reach their goal. You can check out their success stories to give you inspiration. Just click here to find their stories.
If you would like to find out more about how you can best reach your goal--please give us a call at (800) 39-LEARN. We will make sure that we find the right program to help you become an RN.
During my usual morning routine while reading the news online, I came across this article that made me stop. Titled, "10 Hot Careers for 2012 - And Beyond," it takes a look at fields that are in need of more qualified employees. Not surprisingly, #2 on the list is healthcare professionals. Take a look at this link.
As you can see, with an average salary of over $64,000 per year, the U.S. will be in need of 103,900 RNs PER YEAR. So for all you LPNs, LVNs, and Paramedics out there wanting to boost your career, receive a pay raise and a steady job, look no further than the advanced nursing education provided by The College Network and leading universities. We can take you from your LPN/LVN/Paramedic to your associate degree in nursing or BS in Nursing degree and have you earn the RN money and stability you're looking for. Give us a call today!
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734
As we approach the holiday season that brings gifts to many of us, it always reminds me of that spirit I get around this time of year. It brings out the kid in me, and thinking of all those toys from the past takes me back to my childhood. So, I'd like to ask you a question: What did you want to be when you grew up?
I remember watching movies like Star Wars, and growing up like a kid with my head in the clouds. I guess you can say I was your typical boy that dreamt of being an astronaut. Of course those days have since faded away, but I think to myself now and then, "What if...?" After thinking about "What If?" I realized that my time and your time has not passed you by. You can still change your life to point it in the direction that you want(ed) to go. Instead of asking what you wanted to be when you grew up, I'm now asking what do you want to be WHEN you grow up?
So, if you think you're a grown up, but still have childhood dreams, feel free to contact us today and we'll be more than happy to help in assisting you toward your goals.
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734
Nursing is a growing industry—that is well documented.But did you know that the demand for nurses with their Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree is also growing?
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) published report, The Future of Nursing in October 2010 outlined that objectives set forth in the 2010 Affordable Care Act will mean that nursing must change in order to meet the expanding responsibilities nurses face.
They also deliver the supposition that a more educated nursing workforce would be better equipped to meet the demands of an evolving health care system as nurses are required to serve as more of a primary care provider.
Additionally, the report calls for increasing the number of baccalaureate prepared nurses in the workforce to 80% by 2020. Currently 50% of nurses today have their BS in Nursing.The IOM also recommends that a health care organizations encourage their nurses who currently have an associate’s or diploma degree to enter a BSN program within five years of graduation.
Are you an RN who is contemplating moving forward to earning your BSN?Or perhaps you are an LPN/LVN who is considering obtaining your BSN? The College Network can help you in your pursuit of a lifelong dream, or the next step in your education goal.Call us today at (800) 39-LEARN to find out more about your future.
23,000 nurses at 34 California hospitals are currently not working due to strikes and lockouts, and the situation is reported to be the largest nursing strike in US history according to Fierce Healthcare. The conflict arose from Sutter Health Care and registered nurses under its employ, who are represented by California Nurses Association. The issues at hand are Sutter's attempts to reduce retirement coverage and health care, eliminate paid sick leave and nurses' ability to advocate for patients. Nurses from Kaiser Permanente hospitals located in Northern and Central California are striking in solidarity, despite already having reached a deal with their employer, and nurses from Children's Hospital Oakland are also striking.
We at The College Network hope for a speedy and equitable resolution to the conflict. I talk to nurses in this territory every day, and many of them became registered nurses through help from The College Network. Many nurses in the area are in the process of becoming RNs through the online LVN to BS in Nursing program from Indiana State University as well. If you'd like to become an RN, give us a call at 1-800 39-LEARN.
According to the musical group The Trashmen and their 1964 hit "Surfin' Bird," apparently bird is the word. Well, I am here to tell you that at The College Network, LEARN is the word.
It seems a lot of us get caught up on what the end result of completing our programs are. For example, obtaining your nursing degree from one of our top online nursing programs is a great accomplishment, but what about what we learn during the process? I have to admit I am guilty of this just as much or more than anyone else, but I think it is a great time to reflect on exactly how you grow as a person and how much you will actually learn from The College Network online programs.
Imagine what you can do with the knowledge obtained in the Lean Six Sigma program from Purdue University. The knowledge you receive from certified professionals can greatly improve your day-to-day work efficiency, and help you improve the quality of projects or processes in your company and end up saving hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. And, it is no secret why RN nurses are better paid and in more leadership positions compared to LPN/LVN nurses. Think of all the knowledge you will obtain in studying and learning throughout a Bachelors or Associates nursing program that you may have missed out on.
Yes, The College Network can help you achieve the certificate or degree you seek, but don't forget to soak in all the knowledge along the way! Learn is the word!
Now for your viewing pleasure, and what you probably came for in the first place, a famous rendition of "Surfin' Bird."
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734
In a recent article published on MSNBC.com, 24/7 Wall St. identified the best-paying jobs of the future and nursing topped the list.
According to MSNBC and 24/7 Wall St., the aging population is the main contributor to this change in demand. "This year, the first baby boomers turned 65. Their growing numbers and increasing medical needs will require more heath care professionals to care for them."
The article goes on to discuss how 24/7 Wall St. used the Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Employment Matrix combined with average median income for new workers to develop their list of the best-paying jobs that will also have the highest demand for new workers in the future.
Registered nurse was the number one job with a projected growth of 22.2% through 2018.
If you are an LPN or LVN who is considering going back to school for an advanced nursing degree, The College Network can help. We offer a way to complete online degrees from top universities which will qualify you to sit for RN licensure. Best of all, you can get started on your degree with no waiting list and complete courses while you work.
Click here to learn more about the options available in your area.
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop®? Well, according to Mr. Owl, its only 3 (but I beg to differ, those things are pretty solid). What's the point of my asking this?
You will never know until you try.
If you are considering a transition from your LPN/LVN or Paramedic license to get your RN, The College Network can help you try in the most convenient way possible. Our educational materials and Comprehensive Learning Modules allow you to tackle achieving your degree in an online and self-paced manner. Advanced nursing education has never been so convenient to the working adult, so why don't you give me a call and I'll help you try!
Side note: If you speak to me and mention this blog post I will personally send you a bag of Tootsie Roll Pops® - you know, for the kids (wink, wink).
Contact me: Kevin Burton, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com
When trying to use the words further and farther, it's not uncommon to get confused about what each one means. A simple way to remember would be to say that The College Network exists to help people further their education so that they can go farther in their careers.
This can be seen in how The College Network offers some of the top online nursing programs in the country. For those LPNs or associate degree level nurses looking to further their education, The College Network offers programs including, LPN to BS in Nursing, LVN to BS in Nursing, and a convenient way to earn an RN license. If you already have your RN, The College Network also offers MSN programs.
Distance nursing programs are a convenient and efficient way for working individuals and people with busy schedules to go farther in life with an advanced degree from one of the nation's top universities.
To go farther, you must go and further your education.
I'm one of the lucky ones. I recently returned from my vacation in the Western United States, and I have to admit, I loved every minute of it. But as one often does, I had a few revelations in the mountains and deserts of America's Southwest. One of these was, "did I really have McDonald's breakfast twice today?" (oh the joys of going from Eastern to Pacific time). But one that really struck me was how much I love what I do here at The College Network as a Program Advisor.
Everyone has heard the saying: do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life. Not surprisingly, I completely agree with that statement. Whether you are a nurse, project manager, or work in any type of field, do you love what you do?
Here at The College Network, we can provide you the education you need to be the best at what you love to do. Whether you are already in that field or not, we offer higher education online through certificate and degree programs to suit your field. Whether you want to bridge from your LPN/LVN to your RN Nursing license, obtain your Lean Six Sigma or PMP Certification, or enhance your skills or transition into the Paralegal field, we have programs that can help you.
Do you love what you do? Either way, feel free to contact me and share your story. I'm more than happy to assist you in furthering your education and career to achieve that level of love.
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com
Bridgeis defined as aconnecting, transitional, orintermediaterouteorphasebetweentwoadjacentelements,activities,conditions,orthelike.
As an Appointment Coordinator, I have a lot of time to think about bridges and talk about them with people who need them. The College Network's bridge programs are a lot like bridges over rocky waters - once people start the voyage, they feel propelled forward and seldom look back.
In this case, the bridge is from LPN or LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse) to RN (Registered Nurse). A lot of LPNs and LVNs feel like they deserve to be on the other side, and are anxious to get on the bridge. They feel that they can do everything that RNs can, and often they do perform many of the same tasks as RNs on a daily basis, but they lack the salary and job security that RNs have.
If you are standing on one side of the river and wondering what it would be like to become an RN, give us a call at The College Network today: 1-800-39-LEARN.
There is no time like the present, and why shouldn't you take on the responsibility, gain the job security, and earn the salary that you know you deserve? Whether it is the online LVN or LPN to BS in Nursing, or the Online LVN or LPN to AS in Nursing, we have an NLNAC Accredited program that is right for you. It's always taking the first step that's the hardest, but our friendly staff and Program Advisors are here to help, and we have one thing in mind at the end of the day: to see you cross that bridge and achieve success in your life and career. Get on the bridge, and you won't regret it.
My Name is Maykel Verdecia Alonso. I studied registered nursing in Cuba for 5 years (from 1996 to 2001). Before taking the national state licensing exam, I legally migrated to the United States as a refugee. The reason why I did not take the national licensing exam in Cuba was because I was afraid that I was not going to be able to leave the country (the Cuban government, in order to avoid professionals leaving the country, has dictated laws that prohibit graduated students from leaving unless they spend 3-5 years performing social services). Since I had the urgency to leave the country, I decided to voluntary drop out of school and immigrate to the USA.
Soon after I arrived in the United States, I went to City College of San Francisco to learn English as second language. I discovered that City College also had an LVN refresher program for foreign nurses, so I enrolled in that to become a licensed nurse and apply to the CA-LVN Board. My hopes to be a nurse started to become a reality; even though, I was considered to be a drop off nursing student-immigrant from Cuba.
Soon after a fully credentialed evaluation and completion of the LVN refresher program, the LVN Board granted me the authorization to take the licensing exam. Since 2001 I have been working as an LVN in the United States.
When I felt confident working as a nurse, learned more about US law, rules and regulation, and gained more skills following policies and procedures; I decided to apply to the RN Board. Soon after I applied, the CA RN Board wanted my official transcripts from Cuba again (Cuban transcripts are to be use in Cuba National territory ONLY unless they are released by the government). After waiting a response from Cuba for several years, my immigration status in the US, Cuba-USA embargo, and after I realized that everywhere I go, institutions would request official transcripts, I decided to go back to school and retake all the classes I took for nursing in Cuba.
Since City College of Saint Francisco was the first institution that I enrolled in when arrived to the United States, I decided to complete my general education with them, and I have earned more than 80 units of general education. It is time for me to pursue my educational goal in this country, which is why I have applied to Indiana State University (ISU) to hopefully get into their LVN to BSN program.
Before I enroll into ISU, I first need to pass the ISU pre-exams which educational materials and preparation is offered by The College Network. Thanks to the excellent customer services of College Network and the excellent study materials offered, I already completed two of the pre-requisite exams needed for the LVN to BSN program of ISU.
Thanks to The College Network, Indiana State University and City College of San Francisco for allowing me to pursue higher education. I had to struggle with the political struggles between US and Cuba but it does not mean that I will not pursue my educational goal which is to become a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
As of today, I have an LVN license granted by the CA-LVN Board, I have 80 units of general education earned at CCSF, I have eight years of experience as an LVN, I have successfully completed the joint LVN-refresher refresher training program for foreign and American nurses, which is equivalent to two hundred twenty hours of nursing theory at CCSF, and 360 hours of laboratory and clinical practice in medical surgical nursing at St. Francis Hospital, General Hospital, and leadership / skilled nursing at Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center; thus, 5 years of nursing education in Cuba, whose courses and grades were officially evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.
I would imagine there are other foreign trained nurses like me that would like to go back to school and that are not able to get their documents from their home countries (i.e. the school has closed, has changed name, has burned down during the war, are not politically related with this country, or simply are not willing to produce this type of document). For them, I would like to share my nursing experience.
I was never one of those girls that knew at 3 that I was destined to become a nurse. I believe your family and your faith make you who you are. I was married right out of high school. My husband and I, both 18, had not a clue what we would do with our lives. I started general education courses at the local community college and he started courses to become and HVAC tech. Later that year in October we had our first child.
Now she's the one that set my nursing career in motion. On our second sonogram (you know, the one my mom thought was unnecessary) my doctor noted that our baby had gastroschisis. This meant that part of her abdominal wall had not properly closed and her intestines were free-floating. We were sent to a specialist and referred to a surgeon. It's scary enough to know that you're having your first child but we were faced with having our first who would be taken directly to surgery. We were even told we wouldn't be able to hold her.
Six weeks before she was due, a sonogram showed some constriction and fearing that any constriction would strangle her bowels, I was told I would be having a c-section. There was our miracle. Four pounds eight ounces of screaming fighter. And we did get to hold her before her 6 hour surgery. She spent 30 days in the neonatal intensive care. The nurses there were amazing. My doctor let me stay a full week rather than a shorter stay so that I could go down stairs and see her. (I had driving restrictions when I got home, which let's face it aren't going to stop any mother.)
The nurses there showed me how to pump and despite over two weeks with an NG tube and TPN I was able to nurse her for the first time on Thanksgiving day. (The NICU cradles each had baby hand print turkeys that said my first thanksgiving. Hers still makes me cry.) I knew that I was destined to share this kind of work.
Nursing is as much about the care provided as the love shown by those who give it. I have just completed my LVN-RN bridge and have already begun the process of learning more to earn my RN-MSN degree.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
I always knew that I would be a nurse, but first the nurse aid. Then on a snowy evening in Montana the ambulance brought in a man that had been racing his snow mobile and hit a stump under the snow sending him through the windshield taking off all of his face except his eyes.
He had no chin, lips, nose and most of his right cheek. He was crying in pain, and I couldn't give him a shot for the pain. The only RN on duty was trying to get him to a larger town for surgery.
I swore that night no one would ever suffer like that again if I could help it. Thus the LVN now with God's help the RN.
I became a nurse in a little different way than some. I was always interested in nursing, since my mother was a RN. My decision to become a nurse has kind of hopscotched from music to nursing.
I started college as a music major, but I had to change my major. Several years before I went back to college, I tried to get in school as an RN, but the waiting list was long and my children were still small.
I decided to become a teacher. I did finally get that music degree, but teaching here in North Texas is not working out for me.
I finally went to Concorde Career College and graduated as an LVN just this past March. I have taken the boards, and I am a LVN, just no job yet. I will make nursing my career, and know I cannot think of any other calling!
After I became pregnant at age 17, I knew I had to find something to help support my family. I fell in love with nursing. I feel that it is a calling from God for me to be in this profession. I love serving, helping, and caring for people.
My future goals are to finish RN school and then go ahead and do my BSN.
I had already had some past medical experience, but I lost my mother unexpectedly. She had just retired a few months before, and her sudden death really hit me hard.
It dawned on me that my three teenagers would be done with high school soon and without my mother to be with once they were out of the house and onto college, what would I do? I thought about all of the previous jobs I have had, and I remembered how much I liked the medical field, but I didn't want to do the front office part of it any longer.
I decided I wanted to become a nurse and give back to repay all the staff that tried to help save my mother's life while she struggled those last few days in the hospital. I took all of my prereqs at community college (even though I'm considerably older than the standard college student) and enrolled in the nursing program.
I am currently an LVN who is continuing on to get my RN with a BSN. I hope my mom would be proud of all I have accomplished... my kids are!
One Saturday afternoon, while I was reading the newspaper, my seven year old daughter approached me and said “Mommy, can I borrow your thingy?” She was holding up with her hands my black stethoscope. She said she wanted to play nurse with her white bunny toy. I grinned to myself as I recalled about 25 years ago that it all started as a play pretend for me too.
I remember that I played with my raggedy brown teddy bear --- mending its tattered arm and giving it with lots of hugs and kisses to soothe its pain away. I would dangle a shoelace around my shoulder (my stethoscope) and use a stick (my syringe) as my tools. Memories I’d thought were just a play scenario that most children go through as part of growing up.
It was etched on my high school yearbook that my favorite saying was “Anything I touch, might turn into gold.” Why I chose that? I thought it was magical!! Little did I know that I would understand it true meaning someday.
I vividly remember telling my mother that I aspired to be a flight steward so we could travel around the world--thinking that would make us happy and content with life. Yet, that dream did not transpire as I‘d hoped. Instead, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and worked in the media industry. Since then, I’ve had odd and good jobs. I was satisfied, yet, I felt a void deep down in me and my life seemed clueless for years.
Then seven years ago, I was looking at some classified ads and noticed that the nursing field had over two pages full of “wanted ads”. I said this must be a gratifying and in-demand career. And history has it; I went back to school and finished an associate’s degree in vocational nursing. I’ve worked in the Skilled Nursing Facility for five years with the geriatric population and got to know them not only as patients but as people with intricate life stories. Now, for over four years, I’ve worked at a Charity Clinic surrounded by the needy and disadvantaged group of society, providing the utmost care and empathy.
Since then I’ve been returning to school finishing my pre-requisite classes in night school to prepare myself for the RN program. For it is with education, that aspirations for a better career can be attained.
I’m no longer a play-pretend nurse, nor just magical with my hands. I am now a real nurse, an LVN. I have integrated my knowledge, skills, love, care, and compassion to my patients. I have touched their lives by being a part of the healthcare team. That in itself is more valuable than gold.
I became a nurse because of the joy I get when I see a patient smile through their pain or the joy I get when I give loving care and hugs and not be judge for what comes from my HEART - knowing I give 110%. It's let me know I have succeed as a nurse. As nurses, we are the first and/or the last a family sees for good and/or bad news.
I hold true the Nightingale Pledge for "this is my LIFE and the life of my PATIENTS". I hope the next time I'm in the hospital or a family member is, the nurse will remember her Pledge.
My goal as a LVN is to become a RN and continue to educate young women about the URGENCY in understanding the risks of having unprotected sex.
Many LPNs dream of moving forward and becoming a registered nurse someday. And the majority of people decide that the best way to do this is by earning their Associate of Science in Nursing degree. But, did you know that you also have the option to earn your BS in Nursing as an LPN?
I remember watching movies like Star Wars, and growing up like a kid with my head in the clouds. I guess you can say I was your typical boy that dreamt of being an astronaut. Of course those days have since faded away, but I think to myself now and then, "What if...?" After thinking about "What If?" I realized that my time and your time has not passed you by. You can still change your life to point it in the direction that you want(ed) to go. Instead of asking what you wanted to be when you grew up, I'm now asking what do you want to be WHEN you grow up?
23,000 nurses at 34 California hospitals are currently not working due to strikes and lockouts, and the situation is reported to be the 
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop®? Well, according to Mr. Owl, its only 3 (but I beg to differ, those things are pretty solid). What's the point of my asking this?
I'm one of the lucky ones. I recently returned from my vacation in the Western United States, and I have to admit, I loved every minute of it. But as one often does, I had a few revelations in the mountains and deserts of America's Southwest. One of these was, "did I really have McDonald's breakfast twice today?" (oh the joys of going from Eastern to Pacific time). But one that really struck me was how much I love what I do here at 
Here at 
Bridge
One Saturday afternoon, while I was reading the newspaper, my seven year old daughter approached me and said “Mommy, can I borrow your thingy?” She was holding up with her hands my black stethoscope. She said she wanted to play nurse with her white bunny toy. I grinned to myself as I recalled about 25 years ago that it all started as a play pretend for me too. 
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